At Salem, we are in a series entitled, “What Jesus Wants.”  A couple of weeks ago, we explored Psalm 19:7-14 and the realtiy that Jesus Wants Me in the Word. One of the most encouraging yet challenging verses is at the end of Psalm 19.

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer. – Psalm 19:14

David’s desire is to be blameless, to stand before God in purity. It reminds us that the goal here is not sinless perfection but rather to avoid doing that which is displeasing to the Lord.

Psalm 103 tells us that God knows our frame.

This is at the heart of how David wraps us this Psalm. He says, “I don’t want sin to rule over me. I want to avoid that great transgression which will cause my life to be ruined. I want the very words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart to be acceptable in your sight.”

 How is this possible? Psalm 119:11, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” But how?  How do we allow God’s Word to work in us?  Here are five practical tips for God’s Word.

 1. Read it. Get a plan, a through the bible in a year plan.  We are currently reading through the Psalms this year as a church family.  Get a schedule – read it regularly.nnGet a version you understand – get a translation which is easy for you to read.  (Check out two of my posts on How to Study the Bible for the first part CLICK HERE and f0r the second part CLICK HERE)

 2. Reflect upon it. Meditate means thinking about what God’s word says, perhaps writing it down on a card so that you can go over it throughout the day will help you.   Ask yourself what God is saying to you about Himself through His word and what he wants you to do in response.

 3. Remember it. Memorize it. Bible memorization is one of the most powerful tools in your discipleship toolbox. If you hid it in your heart, no one can take it from you and it will be there when you need it. God will bring it to your remembrance.

 4. Recount it. Share it with someone. Tell others what God is saying to you through His word. You’d be amazed how hungry people are for spiritual truth. Share what you’ve learned with others.

 5. Respond to it. Simply put, do it. Don’t just be a hearer of the word, be a doer.

 

What am I missing?  Comment and let us know what you have found helpful when reading and studying God’s Word.